Explore Gili Trawangan, an exotic island with a unique history and a variety of exciting tourist activities that should not be missed.
Gili Trawangan, a small island located north of Lombok Island, has long been one of the most popular tourist destinations in Indonesia.
Known for its stunning white sand beaches and rich marine life, Gili Trawangan offers a complete holiday experience with beautiful scenery, fascinating history, and lots of fun activities.
With all its special features, Gili Trawangan is a place that is not only attractive to nature lovers, but also to those seeking adventure and relaxation.
Getting to Know the History of Gili Trawangan
Gili Trawangan has a history that not many people know about. Initially, this island was part of the expansion of the Karang Asem Kingdom in Bali. At that time, the King of Bali sent Patih AA Gede Alit to expand his territory to Lombok Island.
As part of the trip, around 350 rebels from the Sasak tribe, who were the native inhabitants of Lombok, were exiled to Gili Trawangan. Because at that time there were no adequate detention facilities in Lombok, the island became a place of exile for those who were considered a threat.
Among the Things to do Lombok, learning about this historical aspect provides a deeper appreciation of the island’s past.
In 1870, during the Dutch colonial period, Gili Trawangan became a destination for sailors from South Sulawesi. A sailor named Wak Sokna from the Mandar Balanipa tribe and several sailors from the Bugis tribe came to this island, settled, and developed with the Sasak tribe.
To this day, this community continues to thrive, and their cultural heritage can still be found on Gili Trawangan. This long history gives color to the existence of the island which is now known as one of the most popular tourist destinations in Indonesia.
Location and Access to Gili Trawangan
Gili Trawangan is located in the north of Lombok Island, Indonesia. Access to this island is very easy, it only takes about 20 minutes by boat from Bangsal Harbor located on Lombok Island.
Gili Trawangan is one of the three famous gili (small islands), besides Gili Meno and Gili Air. Its natural beauty, clean beaches and vibrant nightlife make Gili Trawangan a top choice for both local and international tourists.
To reach Gili Trawangan, here are several routes you can choose:
If you come via Lombok International Airport, you can continue your journey by car to Mataram City and then to Senggigi. From Senggigi, you can continue your journey to Bangsal Harbor or Teluk Nare to cross to Gili Trawangan.
The total travel time from the airport to the harbor is around 1.5 to 2 hours. For those who want it easier, tour packages that include a trip to Gili Trawangan are also available.
For those of you in Bali, you can go to Padangbai Harbor and take a fast boat to Gili Trawangan. This sea journey usually takes about two hours and costs around Rp350,000 per person.
This fast boat is a fast and comfortable option for tourists from Bali who want to enjoy a vacation in Gili Trawangan.
For backpackers coming via Lembar Port in Lombok, you can use public transportation to Senggigi. After that, you can continue your journey to Bangsal Harbor or Teluk Nare and cross to Gili Trawangan. This route is more affordable and suitable for travelers who want to save on travel costs.
Tourist Activities in Gili Trawangan
Gili Trawangan not only offers beautiful natural scenery, but also various exciting activities that make it a tourist destination that is never boring. Here are some activities that you can enjoy when visiting this island:
1. Snorkeling Trip 3 Gili
Snorkeling is one of the main activities you can try in Gili Trawangan. With crystal clear waters and pristine coral reefs, snorkeling in Gili Trawangan is an unforgettable experience.
One of the most popular packages is the Snorkeling Trip 3 Gili, where you will be invited to explore Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, and Gili Air. On this trip, you can enjoy the beauty of the underwater, including colorful fish and stunning coral reefs.
This snorkeling package usually starts from morning to evening, with a price of around IDR 75,000 per person. For a personal experience, you can rent a snorkeling boat for around IDR 1,000,000 per trip.
2. Rent a Bike to Get Around the Island
For those of you who want to explore Gili Trawangan in a relaxed way, renting a bicycle is the right choice. By renting a bicycle, you can go around this small island, visit traditional villages, and enjoy the stunning natural scenery.
Bike rentals usually cost around Rp. 30,000 per hour. In addition, bicycles are also an environmentally friendly choice because Gili Trawangan does not have motorized vehicles.
3. Enjoy Cidomo for a Relaxing Tour
Cidomo is a traditional horse-drawn carriage used by the people of Gili Trawangan to get around the island. Using a cidomo, you will be invited to explore the beauty of the beaches and villages in Gili Trawangan.
This activity is perfect for tourists who want to enjoy a relaxed atmosphere and enjoy the island’s scenery in a unique way. The cost for one cidomo that can accommodate up to three people is around IDR 150,000.
4. Diving at the Best Spot
Gili Trawangan is a diver’s paradise, with a variety of amazing diving spots. One of the main attractions is the Blue Coral, a very rare type of blue coral that can only be found in two places in the world.
Diving in Gili Trawangan provides an unforgettable experience by seeing the beauty of the underwater world. There are many diving service providers that offer courses, diving trips, and equipment rentals.
5. Horse Riding on the Beach
Horse riding in Gili Trawangan is a very enjoyable experience, especially for those who want to enjoy the beach scenery in a more exclusive way. You can ride a horse along the enchanting beach, enjoying the white sand and clear sea water.
This activity allows you to interact directly with the horses, even bathing on the beach with them. This is a unique way to experience Gili Trawangan.
6. Witnessing the Beauty of Sunrise and Sunset
Gili Trawangan has an ideal location to enjoy sunrise and sunset views. Since the island is quite small, you can enjoy both of these beautiful moments in one day. On the east side of the island, you can enjoy the beauty of the sunrise, while on the west side, you can witness a stunning sunset.
7. Exciting Water Sports
Gili Trawangan also offers a variety of exciting water sports, such as banana boat, kayaking, surfing, and fishing. You can easily find water sports service providers along the island’s roads.
This activity provides an equally exciting adventure sensation, suitable for tourists who like challenges.
8. Glass Bottom Boat Tour
If you don’t want to dive but still want to enjoy the underwater scenery, you can try the Glass Bottom Boat tour. With a transparent boat, you can see the marine life of Gili Trawangan without having to get into the water. This is a perfect choice for those who want to enjoy the beauty of the sea in a more relaxed way.
9. Culinary Tourism
Gili Trawangan also offers a variety of appetizing culinary choices. Many restaurants on the island serve cuisine from around the world, with international chefs hailing from Europe and Australia. You can enjoy delicious dishes while enjoying the beautiful view of Gili Trawangan.
Gili Trawangan is a tourist destination that offers a variety of natural beauty, rich history, and exciting activities that are suitable for all types of travelers.
From exciting snorkeling, touring the island by bicycle or cidomo, to enjoying mouth-watering international cuisine, Gili Trawangan, one of the most popular Tourist Attractions in Lombok, provides an unforgettable holiday experience. So, make sure Gili Trawangan is on your next vacation list and enjoy all the beauty it has to offer.